If you’ve ever wondered why your skin feels tight, flaky, or just plain unhappy, you might be thinking, "My skin is so dry!" But here’s the thing—what you’re experiencing might not be dry skin at all. It could be dehydrated skin. And yes, they are very different!
Understanding the difference between dry and dehydrated skin can change the way you care for your skin—and help you choose the right products to get that healthy, glowing look.
So, what’s the difference?
Dry Skin = Skin Type
- Dry skin is a skin type you’re born with or naturally have. It means your skin produces less oil (sebum) than it needs.
- People with dry skin usually deal with rough patches, flakiness, and sometimes irritation year-round.
- What dry skin needs: More oil! Look for rich moisturizers, facial oils, and creams that lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Dehydrated Skin = Skin Condition
- Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition—any skin type (yes, even oily!) can become dehydrated.
- It happens when your skin lacks water, often due to weather, harsh products, or not drinking enough fluids.
- Signs of dehydration include dullness, tightness, fine lines that weren’t there before, and sometimes excess oil (because your skin is trying to compensate).
- What dehydrated skin needs: Water! Hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus lightweight moisturizers to seal that water in.
Why It Matters
If you confuse dry and dehydrated skin, you might reach for the wrong products—making the issue worse. For example, if your skin is dehydrated and you only apply oils, you’re missing out on the water your skin craves. And if your skin is dry but you skip nourishing creams, you’re not giving it the oil it desperately needs to feel balanced.
How to Treat Each One
For Dry Skin:
- Use rich, emollient moisturizers and facial oils.
- Avoid harsh cleansers that strip away natural oils.
- Incorporate ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids to strengthen your skin barrier.
For Dehydrated Skin:
- Start with a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid, glycerin).
- Follow with a lightweight moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid over-exfoliating or using products that dry out your skin.
The bogl® Takeaway
At bogl®, we’re all about giving your skin what it really needs—no fads, just facts. Whether you’re battling dryness or dehydration, we’ve got products to help support your skin barrier and bring back that glow.
Not sure which one you’re dealing with? Send us a DM or email—we’re happy to help you figure it out!
Here’s to skin that feels as good as it looks!
Vicky